Welcome to a new academic year!

The strength of our work lies in the diverse talents of the people behind it. So, to kick off the new academic year, we're excited to share stories that highlight the unique personalities, skills, and passions of some of our team members.

Get ready to dive into candid interviews, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that reveal what makes our team tick. Whether you're part of a school, university or just curious about what makes us who we are, we invite you to get to know us a little better and see how our collective efforts bring our programmes to life.

First up is Imani Palmer, one of our fantastic London-based programme managers.

What did you do before joining CoachBright?

Before joining CoachBright, I studied Sociology and Criminology at the University of Birmingham. Whilst studying, I worked as a mentor at a local secondary school, and this sparked my interest in working with young people in education.

Why are you passionate about social mobility?

I was the recipient of a social mobility charity, in that I received a full bursary to attend a boarding school for my sixth form education. The experience made me keen to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of young people.

What do you love to do outside of all things CoachBright?

When not working, you’ll find me DJing in local London establishments. Aside from education, my passions are music and travelling.

What are your earliest memories of music?

From as far back as I can remember, music has been a significant part of my life. Growing up in a Caribbean household, there was always music playing. Whether it be reggae music on a Saturday morning to accompany weekly cleaning, or the radio playing in the background whilst cooking. Due to this, I developed a deep passion for music, with an appreciation for a wide range of genres.

What sparked your journey into DJing?

It wasn’t until I was 16 that I considered pursuing DJing, whilst being behind the scenes at a festival. I was fascinated by the way music would capture the audience and create a powerful energy, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared moment of joy. Watching the DJ blend tracks, control the vibe and keep the crowd engaged made me realise that DJing was more than playing music. It was about storytelling through the blends of each track, reading the room and creating a memorable time.

Despite my love for music, I was very hesitant to pursue this interest due to the intimidating nature of DJing and the mere fact that it is a male-dominated space. I always questioned whether people would take me seriously. However, I took the leap of faith when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2019, and the rest was history.

How did your DJ Career begin?

Despite the challenging circumstances of the pandemic, I am forever grateful for the time that it gave me to teach myself how to DJ. I watched multiple YouTube videos, practised endlessly, and expanded my network through reaching out to established DJs at the time. Their guidance and support helped me to develop my skills and gave me the confidence to share the beginning of my journey online. It was then that I started to gain traction and received positive feedback from people about how quickly I was progressing in several months. This motivated me to keep improving, and before long, I had landed my first Radio appearance on Reprezent Radio, a radio station dedicated to showcasing emerging talent. The pandemic, though difficult, ultimately became the catalyst for my DJ career, pushing me to turn my passion for music into a part-time career.

What have you accomplished so far?

During the four years that I have been DJing, I have managed to accomplish so much. Whilst studying at the University of West Indies for one year in Jamaica, I was able to network with many local DJs and immerse myself in the vibrant music scene. This led to several exciting opportunities, including multiple appearances on live national radio, participating in my first soundclash (representing the University of West Indies), playing at well-established venues and collaborating with well-known Jamaican brands. These experiences not only helped me grow as a DJ but also allowed me to connect deeply with my Jamaican culture, which inspired my love for music.

Alongside this, I have had multiple opportunities in the UK, where I’ve had the privilege to DJ for companies such as Wray and Nephews and Selfridges. I have also had the honour of creating a guest mix for Kiss FM, which allowed me to reach a wider audience and showcase my versatility as a DJ. Most recently, I released a mix on Apple Music in celebration of Notting Hill Carnival, a significant milestone that reflects how far I have come on my journey. Each of these opportunities has further solidified my presence in the DJ scene, and I am eager to embrace whatever exciting possibilities lie ahead!

You can find DJ Marniie’s music here:
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-agenda-august-2024-dj-mix/1763854222

What are your reflections & what’s next?

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that I have been presented with. From not knowing how to DJ and merely teaching myself in my bedroom, to now playing for renowned companies and major brands - I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved and to see how far I have come. Each opportunity has been a learning experience and shaped me into the DJ that I am today.

I am excited to continue on this journey, exploring new sounds and creating unforgettable experiences through the music that I play. This journey has not been short of challenges - times of self-doubt and imposter syndrome - but those moments have only made me stronger and more determined to succeed. As I move forward, I’m committed to overcoming any obstacles that come my way and continuing to share my love for music with the world. I am excited for what the future holds, and I look forward to seeing where this passion will take me next.

We look forward to seeing too! Thank you Imani.